We can see in the book of Revelation, especially in chapter 20, several mentions about us reigning with Christ. But what does that mean? Read the following article:
One of the main themes of the book of Revelation is the paradox of Christian life. Believers are united with Christ, the Lamb who was killed but now reigns as the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Apoc. 5-6), and are “more than victorious, “even when they suffer trial, persecution, and martyrdom for their testimony of Jesus Christ. GK Chesterton once said that a paradox is “the truth upside down to get our attention. “The description of the kingdom of believers with Christ for a thousand years in Revelation 20: 4-6 is a case of such a paradox. Nothing can separate the believer from God’s love in Jesus Christ. Even in the face of death, believers live and rule with Christ.
Where are the saints that John sees?
After describing Satan’s arrest in verses 1-3, the vision of Revelation 20 changes angle to focus on a scene in which the Apostle John sees the Saints, those who participate in the “first resurrection,” reigning with Christ during the millennium:
I also saw thrones, and in these sat those who had the power to judge; I have also seen the souls of those beheaded by the testimony of Jesus, as well as by the word of God, so many who did not worship the beast, nor his image, and did not receive the mark on their foreheads and hands; and lived and ruled with Christ for a thousand years. [?] On these, the second death has no authority; on the contrary, they will be priests of God and Christ and will rule with him for a thousand years (vv. 4-6).
There are two questions that are immediately raised from this point of view: first, where does the scene in which Joo has this vision take place, is it a scene of the saints in heaven or the saints on earth?Second, who are the saints, whom John sees?Are they the fulness of believers?Or are they simply martyred believers who enjoy a special privilege of governing with Christ as a reward for their fidelity to him?
Read the full article to see how these issues are developed and learn more:
This article is part of the December 2013 issue of Tabletalk magazine.
Translation: Alan Cristie. Crítica: Renata do Esperito Santo?© Faithful Ministry. All rights reserved. Website: www. MinisterioFiel. com. br Original: Reigning with Christ
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